Monkeypox Information & Resources
The first case of Mpox in Arkansas was identified in July 2022. Updated case counts and further information can be found on the Arkansas Department of Health's Mpox webpage. Pat Walker Health Center can perform a specimen collection from lesions to send through Quest for a Mpox virus test to determine if a patient is infected with the virus. Test results take 2-3 days to come back. Washington County Health Unit also offers testing in our area.
Pat Walker Health Center has a limited supply of the Mpox vaccine and it will only be administered with an order from a provider. If you are already established with a provider at PWHC, please contact that provider/nurse team lead. If you have not established care with a provider at PWHC, please schedule an appointment with a provider for further evaluation.
Transmission
- Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
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- Direct contact with Mpox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with Mpox.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with Mpox.
- Mpox is NOT spread through casual, brief conversations or walking by someone with Mpox, like at a grocery store.
See the CDC information on how Mpox spreads.
Signs & Symptoms
Initial Symptoms of Mpox can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
- A rash that may be located on or near the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, the genitals
(penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus.
- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
- The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
- Rash develops in over 90% of cases/infections
You may experience all or only a few symptoms.
- Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
- Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
- Others only experience a rash.
How long do Mpox symptoms last?
Mpox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.
Mpox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
See the CDC information with photos.
Treatment
Pre and post exposure vaccination and anti-viral medications are currently being facilitated through the Arkansas Department of Health in conjunction with our local health units for HIGH-RISK GROUPS. These options are currently in limited supply and only being used in select populations and in groups where outbreaks have been identified.
Pat Walker Health Center has a limited supply of the Mpox vaccine and it will only be administered with an order from a provider. If you are already established with a provider at PWHC, please contact that provider/nurse team lead. If you have not established care with a provider at PWHC, please schedule an appointment with a provider for further evaluation.
- The Jynneos Vaccine is a 2-dose series given 4 weeks/28 days apart. It is a weakened live virus that will be given 0.1 mg intradermally on the inner aspect of the patient’s forearm.
- Patients will NOT be able to schedule online due to a provider/nurse team lead needing to screen to see if you meet criteria.
The ADH's criteria for pre-exposure vaccination (PrEP):
- Men who have sex with men who:
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- Have had multiple sex partners within the past year, OR
- Engage in anonymous or group sex, including with those contacted online or through apps OR
- Engage in sex at venues or events, OR
- Are living with HIV
- Anyone, including women, who has a partner that meets the criteria above.
- Anyone diagnosed with any sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last month.
- Anyone who has had skin-to-skin contact with someone known or suspected to have Mpox within the last 14 days.
- Anyone whose medical provider recommends they get the JYNNEOS vaccine.
The CDC currently recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed (PEP++) to a known Mpox case and those deemed to be at increased risk to contract Mpox. Current vaccination criteria is:
- High-risk exposure (close/intimate contact) to someone with known or probable Mpox within last 14 days
- High-risk encounter (sex, very close contact) in a setting/event where Mpox reported to be spread, even if person doesn’t have a known exposure
Pat Walker Health Center is in coordination with the Arkansas Department of Health regarding vaccinations.
Contact a healthcare provider right away to talk about diagnosis, testing, and treatment options. If you do not have a health care provider, please contact the ADH call center at 1-800-803-7847 to locate a local health unit near you.
Things you can do to protect yourself from getting Mpox:
- Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like Mpox.
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- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with Mpox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with Mpox.
- Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with Mpox has used.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with Mpox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with Mpox.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.